Reds wait on Chong after submitting contract offer to teen

OLE Gunnar Solskjaer says Tahith Chong must decide if he wants to re-sign for United after the club submitted their contract offer.

Solskjaer revealed earlier this month United are in discussions with Chong and Angel Gomes, both 19, as they approach the final seven months on their existing deals.

Both returned to the starting XI in the Europa League defeat to Astana, where Chong wasted an easy chance with United 1-0 up on the hour mark before Astana scored twice in quick succession.

Chong was the first player to be substituted but accepted responsibility for his mistake in the dressing room afterwards and Solskjaer was asked about the Dutchman’s contract situation.

“There are players we wanna get signed, of course,” Solskjaer said. “And Tahith is a player we think is gonna develop, we’ve offered him a very good contract and the ball is in his court.”

Chong joined United from Feyenoord in 2016 and made his debut off the bench against Reading in the FA Cup third round in January. The Netherlands Under-21 international has already featured on the last two pre-season tours but recently claimed he was in no rush to commit to United.

“It’s early right now,” Chong said. “I’m still a player of Manchester United and the season is in full swing. My focus is on that. The contract will come naturally. I am now focusing on this season.”

Solskjaer explained four weeks ago: “We’ve had lots of conversations with the boys. Obviously their contracts run out in the summer but we want them to stay.

“I can’t see a better place for a young lad that’s come through the ranks in the academy to play first team football.

“Both Angel and Chongy have been here for many, many years.

“We just want them to continue their development and hopefully they can see that when young lads take their chance, they’ll get more opportunities.”